Find out how to get perfect images with this Matsumoto Castle photography guide! Explore the Black Castle of Japan and take unforgettable photos.
What makes Matsumoto Castle interesting?
Among the tourist attractions in Japan, the castles are one of the most visited. Across the land of the Rising Sun, there are multiple beautiful and imponent castles. Despite the old looks, most of them have been rebuilt after fires, earthquakes or wars. Photographers can’t help but spend hours looking for the best angles and conditions to capture them. Why write a Matsumoto Castle photography guide? What makes it special?
Castles are usually built on high areas, to have a good view of the surroundings, and in the old times, to be easier to defend from attacks. Matsumoto Castle, however, is what is known as a “hirajiro”, a castle built on a plain area, instead of on a hill or mountain.
Moreover, Matsumoto Castle is black, which has given it the nickname of the “Crow Castle” because of its characteristic black colour. This makes it quite unique, and from a photography point of view, it adds to the final images.
How to get to the Matsumoto Castle?
As almost everywhere in Japan, Matsumoto is easily accessible by train. The JR Matsumoto Station is at a 15-20 minute walk from the castle. However, no Shinkansen line goes to Matsumoto. Instead, take a Shinano Limited Express (included in your JR Pass ticket), and enjoy the views from the train. I visited Matsumoto after visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park, and if you are only interested in the castle, it is perfect for a one-afternoon trip.
When to photograph the Matsumoto Castle?
The best moment to photograph Matsumoto Castle is at sunrise or sunset. Not only because of the light, but because of the wind. One of the unique things about Matsumoto Castle is its moat. Surrounded by water on all sides, it helps create unique reflection photos. However, to get the reflections, you need no wind or very little wind. This is usually common early morning and late into the evening. Combine it with the beautiful sunrise or sunset colours, and you will have all the ingredients for a great photo.
Moreover, getting up early or waiting for the night ensures 2 other things.
First, you will be able to get different photos. The castle has quite a good night illumination, which makes for a good photo. Thus, if you get up early or wait till late, you’ll be able to take both.
Second, because it will be less crowded. In this case, it’s not a must, as the photo spots shared below are next to the water, and it’s almost impossible to get people in your shot. However, it will make it easier to move around.
Matsumoto Castle top photography spots
For photographers, this is a very interesting spot. It is difficult to get creative, and it is a common spot, but the final picture is worth it. I highly recommend checking the sun’s position before visiting. All the photos you will see in this post were taken during sunset, however, sunrise can also be a fantastic choice.
I chose a 10-24mm lens to photograph this beautiful castle. Depending on what you want to focus on (details, general view), choose your favourite lenses. A wide-angle lens is ideal for this place, though, as it helps to capture both the castle and its reflection. There are two main spots to take the Matsumoto Castle Photo:
Matsumoto Castle photography spot 1: the perfect reflection
The first one is the bottom left corner of the map shown above. This is a fantastic spot to get the famous reflection of the castle without any distracting elements. Try to avoid windy days, and if you visit when the wind is blowing, try using long exposure and experiment with the clouds and water.
Look for the carp swimming in the trench, birds flying above the castle, or try different heights; the castle can look very different depending on the perspective.
After sunset, beware of the large focus that illuminates the castle. Some are situated just at that spot and could ruin your photo. Although it is a very easy photo to get, take care of the details, be patient and don’t rush. It constantly happens to me that when I see an easy picture, I overestimate my capacities.
Matsumoto Castle photography spot 2: the red bridge
The second spot is very close to the first one. Just walk straight on towards the red bridge, and after passing next to it, you will be right there. This is definitely the most interesting spot, but also a massified one. Everyone wants to get their shot from there, people crossing the bridge,… Wake up early or wait until late, when fewer people are in the area.
Depending on the relationship you want to establish between the bridge and the castle, move left, right and shoot higher or lower. Here, the long exposure works very well if you want to remove people walking, and it also favours the reflection effect.
Finally, I think there are many other possibilities when taking photos of the Matsumoto Castle. Wait until it’s dark, play with the surroundings, focus on the details, or enter the castle and enjoy the steepest steps one can find. I enjoyed visiting it, and it is full of armour pieces, weapons and curiosities from old times. Here you have a couple of extra photos from my time in Matsumoto.
Hope you enjoyed my Matsumoto Castle photography guide. If you want to see more of my work in Japan or any of my other trips, visit my Instagram!